Quarterback almost certainly off the table in Saints’ 2026 draft

By Ross Jackson

Any thoughts of the New Orleans Saints investing a late selection in the 2026 NFL Draft on a developmental quarterback are all but squashed at this point. 

After the surprising signing of 2021 No. 2 overall selection and quarterback Zach Wilson, the Saints likely have their quarterback room put together for the 2026 season. 

Wilson steps into the third spot at the position behind starter Tyler Shough and third-year passer Spencer Rattler. 

Unless the Saints make a move sending Rattler to an interested team to compete for a larger role, something some have suspected but appears unlikely, the only move to expect at quarterback is an undrafted or tryout player being brought aboard for rookie minicamp. 

Wilson may not bring a ton of winning experience to the team (12-21 as a starter), his time spent working in creative offenses with the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins is valuable. However, his most impactful advisory role may come from having navigated the lofty expectations he faced when drafted by the New York Jets. 

Helping Shough navigate the growing expectations around hom is something another draft pick can’t do. With a Wilson now in the building, New Orleans’ three-year run of drafting quarterbacks is likely over.